Ballet is a form of entertainment that has evolved over the last four centuries, beginning with the royal court in Italy. Ballet costumes have also evolved beyond recognition during this period.

Initially, in Europe, the ballet costumes were rich, flowing and as extravagant as the royal courts in which they were performed. The dancers movements were very restricted, because of the heavy brocade on the cloth, the ornaments and huge head-pieces. When a ballerina in the eighteenth century shortened her skirt to the ankle, she shocked a lot of people in the audience.

In the later eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the female ballerinas were light and slim, wearing calf-length, white skirts usually made of tulle. They wore pointed shoes made of satin which allowed them to dance on the tips of their toes. Male dancers wore tights with long-sleeved shirts and short jackets. Ballet techniques changed a lot because of the new freedom allowed by these costumes.

Today, the modern ballerina’s dress is called a ‘tutu’. It is a very short dress made of tulle or net and ends much above the knees. A classic tutu has twelve layers and may or may not be supported by wire hoops.

A tutu does not interfere with the body’s movements and also allows each twist and technique to be seen by the audience in the full extent of its grace. Male ballet dancers wear tights even now, though the jacket has been discarded as part of the costume. ~ Author Annie Zaidi.